Wike Slams Amaechi for Blaming Tinubu for Mother’s Death

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over comments linking President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies to the death of his mother.

Wike made the remarks on Saturday while addressing members of the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, Rivers State.

Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, had during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday said Tinubu’s policies contributed to his mother’s death because the rising cost of medicines made it difficult for him to afford her drugs.

Responding to the claim, Wike questioned how Amaechi, who had occupied several senior political positions, could say he was unable to afford medication for his mother.

Wike noted that Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, governor of Rivers State for eight years and Minister of Transportation for another eight years.

He said it was inappropriate for Amaechi to bring his late mother into political arguments, accusing him of attempting to gain political sympathy from her death.

Wike also questioned why Amaechi’s wife, whom he described as an industrialist, could not assist with the cost of the medication, while also asking why his friends and political associates could not provide support when his mother was ill.

The FCT minister further criticised Amaechi for comments suggesting that his late mother would be happy if the ADC won the 2027 election.

According to Wike, bringing a deceased family member into political discourse was unnecessary and should be avoided.

He urged Nigerians to allow Amaechi’s mother to rest, while praying that she would find peace with her Creator.

Amaechi’s mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 at the age of 89 and was buried in September in Ubima, Rivers State.

The dispute comes amid renewed political rivalry between Wike and Amaechi, who have remained prominent figures in Rivers State politics despite previously working together.

Amaechi has continued to criticise the Tinubu administration over economic conditions, particularly the rising cost of living and medicines. He has argued that government policies have placed additional financial pressure on Nigerian families.

The latest exchange adds to the ongoing political disagreements between the two former Rivers State governors as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.